General Approach
Natural approach forcing, with 5-Card Majors
- Opening one of a major shows 12+ HCP and 5+ cards in that major.
- Better minor - A minor suit opening may be 3+ cards.
- No trump opening
- Weak 12-14
- Lucas twos
General methods:
1 of a Minor
An opening of 1 ♣ or 1 ♦ may be made on a suit of 3+ cards. It will not be made on a hand of a balanced nature within the specified opening no trump range, nor will it contain a five card major unless the minor suit is longer than the major. With 33 shape the better suit will be opened, with 44 shape a diamond will always be opened.
1 of a Major
An opening of 1 ♥ or 1 ♠ guarantees at least 5+ cards in the suit and at least 12+ HCP (the HCP requirement may be reduced if distributional values can be added). In addition, one level opening bids will fit the rule of at least the rule of 18.
1NT
An opening of 1NT will not contain a re-biddable five card major, it will not contain a singleton or void. The distribution may however be 6322 or 5422 as well as the usual 4333,4432 and 5332.
2 Level bids
2 ♣ shows 8 PT in unspecified suit, or 22-23 balanced or 25-26 balanced next suit up is a relay, not a negative
2 ♦ shows GF or weak 2 in a major or 24 balanced or 27-28 balanced next suit up is a relay, not a negative
2 ♥ shows <11 HCP 5+ ♥ 's and 4+ of a minor
2 ♠ shows <11 HCP 5+ ♠ 's and 4+ of another
2NT shows 20-21 balanced see below for continuations
3 Level bids
3 ♣ or 3 ♦ may be a 6 card or longer suit and are <10 HCP
3 ♥ or 3 ♠ will be at least 7 card suits and are <10 HCP
3NT is a gambling 3NT, a solid minor with at most a Q outside the solid suit
4 Level bids
These bids are pre-emptive in style and are generally stronger than a three level pre-empt. Normally these bids are made on distributional hands with little defence.
Replies to 1 ♣ or ♦
Inverted minor suit raises are used, even by a passed hand and in competition.
1 ♣ (PASS) 3 ♣ shows 5+ ♣ 's and 5-9 HCP, non-forcing, usually unbalanced, balanced hands will start with 1 NT
1 ♣ (PASS) 2 ♣ shows 4+ ♣ 's and no four card major unless a major is continued over opener's rebid in which case minor will be 5+. The hand will contain 10+ HCP and is forcing for 1 round. All continuations thereafter, are natural.
Major suit responses are natural and acol style.
1 NT response denies 4+ in either major and is 6-9 HCP.
2 NT response denies 4+ in either major or 5+ in other minor and is 10-12 HCP.
3 NT response denies 4+ in either major or 5+ in other minor and is 13-15 HCP.
Jump shifts are natural and game forcing.
Double jump shifts are splinters (void or singleton and promising 5+ trumps) – this includes 1m pass 3M
Replies to 1 of a major - Bergen style
| 1♥ |
1♠ |
Natural 4+ ♠ s 6+ HCP |
| 1♥ |
1NT |
Almost forcing (6-11HCP) |
see below
|
| 1♥ |
2§ |
Forcing 4+ suit 12+ HCP |
unless responder rebids suit = 10/11 HCP good 6+suit |
| 1♥ |
2¨ |
Forcing 4+ suit 12+ HCP |
unless responder rebids suit = 10/11 HCP good 6+suit |
| 1♥ |
2♥ |
3 card raise 5-9 HCP |
| 1♥ |
2♠ |
Game forcing 5+ suit 15+ HCP |
| 1♥ |
2NT |
3 card support 10-12 HCP |
| 1♥ |
3 ♣ |
Forcing, 4 card (constructive) raise (7-10 HCP) |
(3♦ = range enquiry) |
| 1♥ |
3 ♦ |
Forcing, 4 card raise (11+ HCP),
usually game forcing |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♥ |
Pre-emptive, 4 card raise, 0-6 HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♠ |
Forcing, splinter (singleton) any suit, 3NT asks for shortage |
| 1 ♥ |
3NT |
Balanced 12-15, HCP 3 card support |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♣ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♦ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♥ |
Limit raise <10 HCP and 5+ trump support |
| 1♠ |
1NT |
Almost forcing (6-11HCP) |
see below
|
| 1♠ |
2♣ |
Forcing 4+ suit 12+ HCP |
unless responder rebids suit = 10/11 HCP good 6+suit |
| 1♠ |
2♦ |
Forcing 4+ suit 12+ HCP |
unless responder rebids suit = 10/11 HCP good 6+suit |
| 1♠ |
2♥ |
Forcing 4+ suit 12+ HCP |
unless responder rebids suit = 10/11 HCP good 6+suit |
| 1♠ |
2♠ |
3 card raise 5-9 HCP |
| 1♠ |
2NT |
3 card support 10-12 HCP |
| 1♠ |
3♣ |
Forcing, 4 card (constructive) raise (7-10 HCP or | 3 ♦ =enquiry
|
| 1♠ |
3♦ |
Forcing, 4 card raise (11+ HCP or 8 or less losers), usually game forcing |
| 1♠ |
3♥ |
Forcing, splinter (singleton) any suit, 3 ♠ asks for shortage (3NT= ♠ ) |
| 1♠ |
3♠ |
Pre-emptive, 4 card raise, 0-6 HCP |
| 1♠ |
3NT |
Balanced 12-15 HCP, 3 card support |
| 1♠ |
4 ♣ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♦ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♥ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♠ |
Limit raise <10 HCP and 5+ trump support |
Strong supporting hands can be bid in two ways, either with a game forcing 2 over 1 or through a 3 ♣ response. Using 3 ♣ 's implies no strong side suit.
A passed that bids a new suit at the 2 level after 1 of a major opening is showing a natural suit (4+) and at least Hx or xxx of the opening major suit
Competitive sequences are described below.
Replies to 1 of a major - Bergen style – by passed hand
| 1 ♥ |
1 ♠ |
Natural 4+ ♠ s 6+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
1NT |
Almost forcing (6-11HCP) |
see below
|
| 1 ♥ |
2 ♣ |
Good 4 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
2 ♦ |
Good 4 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
2 ♥ |
3 card raise 5-9 HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
2 ♠ |
Good 5 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
2NT |
3 card support 10-11 HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♣ |
Forcing, 4 card raise (11 HCP or 8 or less losers), usually game forcing |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♦ |
Forcing, 4 card (constructive) raise (7-10 HCP or 8 loser) |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♥ |
Pre-emptive, 4 card raise, 0-6 HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
3 ♠ |
Forcing, splinter (singleton) any suit, 3NT asks for shortage |
| 1 ♥ |
3NT |
Forcing (void in ♠ ) 4+ support |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♣ |
Forcing, (void ♣ ) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♦ |
Forcing, (void ♦ ) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♥ |
4 ♥ |
Limit raise <10 HCP and 5+ trump support (or 7 loser hand) |
| 1 ♠ |
1NT |
Almost forcing (6-11HCP) |
see below
|
| 1 ♠ |
2 ♣ |
Good 4 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
2 ♦ |
Good 4 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
2 ♥ |
Good 4 + suit, at least Hx in opened major and 9-11+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
2 ♠ |
3 card raise 5-9 HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
2NT |
3 card support 10-11 HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
3 ♣ |
Forcing, 4 card raise (11 HCP or 8 or less losers), usually game forcing |
| 1 ♠ |
3 ♦ |
Forcing, 4 card (constructive) raise (7-10 HCP or 8 loser) |
| 1 ♠ |
3 ♥ |
Forcing, splinter (singleton) any suit, 3 ♠ asks for shortage (3NT= ♠ ) |
| 1 ♠ |
3 ♠ |
Pre-emptive, 4 card raise, 0-6 HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
3NT |
Not used |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♣ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♦ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♥ |
Forcing, (void) 4+ support 10+ HCP |
| 1 ♠ |
4 ♠ |
Limit raise <10 HCP and 5+ trump support |
Replies to Opening 1NT
- 2 ♣ is non promisory Stayman, includes a natural 2NT invitation
- 2 ♦ is a transfer to ♥ , may be weak or strong, transfer may be broken
- 2 ♥ is a transfer to ♠ , may be weak or strong, transfer may be broken
- 2 ♠ is a transfer to ♣ , may be weak or strong, transfer is broken with a holding such as KJ, Kxxx or better
- 2NT is a transfer to ♦ may be weak or strong, transfer is broken with a holding such as KJ, Kxxx or better
- 3 level bids natural (5+) and GF, slam interest
To break a major suit transfer four + support is needed. The break of transfer is to another 4 card suit (of quality) or a jump completion of transfer. It is not compulsory to break transfer.
2 level openers
2 ♣ 8PT in an unspecified suit or 22-23 balanced or 25-26 balanced
2 ♦ GF or 24 balanced or 27-28 balanced or weak 2 in ♥ 's or weak 2 in ♠ 's
2 ♥ 5+ ♥ 's and 4+ of a minor 6-10
2 ♠ 5+ ♠ 's and 4+ of another 6-10
2NT 20-21
Continuation Over 2 ♣
| 2 ♦ | = | relay/negative |
| 2 ♥ / ♠ | = | positive, good suit |
| 2NT | = | 10-12 balanced no suit |
| 3 ♣ / ♦ | = | positive, good suit |
| 3NT | = | 13-15 balanced no suit |
Continuation Over 2 ♦
Opening
bid |
Reply |
Meaning |
Openers
rebid |
Meaning |
| 2♦ |
2♥ |
Pass or convert |
Pass |
Natural weak |
| |
|
|
2NT |
24 "balanced" |
|
|
|
3♣ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3♦ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3♥ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3♠ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3NT |
27-28 "balanced" |
| |
2♠ |
10-12 and 4 ♥ 's
Pass, convert or raise |
2NT |
24 "balanced" |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3♦ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3♥ |
weak weak 2 |
| |
|
|
3♠ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
3NT |
27-28 "balanced" |
| | 2NT | Enquiry, normally 12+ HCP | 3 ♣ | strong weak 2 in ♥ 's |
| |
|
| 3 ♦ | strong weak 2 in ♠ 's |
| |
|
| 3 ♥ | weak weak 2 in ♥ 's |
| |
|
| 3 ♠ | weak weak 2 in ♠ 's |
| |
|
| 3NT | any game force (i.e. slam zone) |
Slam forcing auction
| 2♦ | 2NT | 3NT |
4 ♣ = gerber | Normal Gerber responses |
| | | | 4 ♦ = stayman | (4NT shows no 4 card major and asks for aces) |
| |
|
| | 4 ♥ = 5+suit |
| |
|
| | 4 ♠ = 5+suit |
Continuation Over 2 ♥
| 2 ♠ | weak to play |
| 2NT | what's the other suit? (may be an invitational raise) |
| 3 ♣♦ | weak to play |
| 3 ♥ | weak, pre-emptive |
| 3 ♠ | 1RF solid suit (may be missing Ace) |
| 3NT | Serious |
| 4 any | Cue |
| 4♥ | weak pre-emptive |
Continuation Over 2 ♠
| 2NT | what's the other suit? (may be an invitational raise) |
| 3 ♣♦♥ | weak to play |
| 3 ♠ | weak, pre-emptive |
| 3NT | Serious |
| 4 ♣ ♦♥ | Cue |
| 4 ♠ | weak pre-emptive |
Continuation Over 2NT
| 3 ♣ | requests suits to be bid in ascending order |
| 3 ♦ | transfer to ♥ 's (reply may be passed), transfer may be broken |
| 3 ♥ | transfer to ♠ 's (reply may be passed), transfer may be broken |
| 3 ♠ | shows at least 5/4 in the minors slam interest |
| 3NT | natural, to play |
| 4 ♣ | gerber |
No weak take out, as such, exists over 2NT
Transfers can be broken either with a cuebid or with a jump completion.
Responding to our opening 3 level and higher bids
Essentially natural with jump shifts being cue bids.
New suits are a one round force and in the first instance show tolerance for pre-emptor's suit, if responders suit is repeated then no tolerance is implied.
Replies to Forcing 1 no trump response
After 1M (PASS) 1NT, opener assumes responder is minimum and should rebid as follows:
- Pass with a light opener (5332 shape) upto 13 HCP
- with 4 + cards in another suit below the suit opened and a weak hand, bid the new suit (which may be passed)
- with a 6+ of the opened major, rebid the major at an appropriate level according to losing trick count, (assume partner is an 8 ½ to 9 loser hand).
- with a weak hand and a maximum of 3 cards in a suit lower ranking than the suit opened, bid the lowest ranking three card suit (which may be passed)(a bid of 2 ♥ over a 1 ♠ opener will be at least 4 cards.
- with only a five card major but with a higher number of HCP raise NT to an appropriate level or reverse as best fits the hand, (a reverse is forcing on the responder to at least the next level of openers suit)
Any new suit response by 1NT bidder is natural and to play
If responder moves on over a simple rebid by opener, in NT, by raising opener or with a jump shift, he is showing 10-11 HCP
| In a sequence such as | 1M | 1NT |
| | 2m | 2NT |
| | 3m | | | Opener is weak, this sequence is non-forcing |
See Appendix D for Specific sequences.
Other conventions
Check back
| After | 1m (p) 1 any (p) 1NT |
| | 1m (p) 1 any (p) 2NT |
2/3 of the opener's unbid minor is a checkback requesting information regarding distribution (and possible extra strength). Opener should bid an unbid 4 card major first, then 3 card support for partner, then additional length in opened minor, the checkback suit if 4 cards are held in it and last resort repeat no trump.
Forth suit forcing
Initially, asks for help in the forth suit for no trumps. A half stop is all that is required to bid no trump.
A raise of forth suit shows at four cards in the forth suit, bidding space allowing.
A jump in forth suit indicates a natural suit, game values and shortage (at most 1) of partners opening suit.
Unassuming cue bid
One round force asking for further description of partner's hand, a full stop is required by responder to take no trump.
An UCB by an un-passed hand is game forcing, by a passed hand it is merely a 1 RF
After an overcall by us, a UCB asks about the strength of the overcall
Slams
Roman Keycard Blackwood
If doubt exists to the trump suit, the last naturally bid suit is assumed to be the nominated trump suit.
Responses
- 5 ♣ 0-3 keycards out of 5 keycards
- 5 ♦ 1-4 keycards out of 5 keycards
- 5 ♥ 2 keycards without the queen of trumps
- 5 ♠ 2 keycards with the queen of trumps
- After 5 ♣ / ♦ next step (excluding agreed trump suit) asks for the trump queen. Without the queen responder signs of in the agreed trump suit, with the queen responder shows any king in their possession (5 NT with 2 side suit kings)
- 5 NT is used to ask for kings, guaranteeing all keycards
- DOPI and ROPI are used in competition
Exclusion Keycard Blackwood
A jump to the 5 level is exclusion blackwood, suit agreement can be as agreed or by implication. It is asking for controls out with the suit bid. Responses are as above, 03/14/2 without/2 with, using a stepped response. (1 ♥ 3 ♣ 4 ♠ is exclusion keycard blackwood)
Gerber - 4 ♣
This bid is only valid after a natural NT bid. Replies are made in step fashion;
- 4 ♦ 0 or 4 aces
- 4 ♥ 1 ace
- 4 ♠ 2 aces
- 4NT 3 aces
5 ♣ continues the asking sequence, guaranteeing all 4 aces, with stepped responses as above.
Cuebids
These are defined as a change of suit after suit agreement or an unnecessary jump shift. In the later case, the last natural bid suit becomes the agreed trump suit. A cuebid shows one of the following:
- An ace
- A King
- A void
- A singleton
- One of the top three honours in partner's side suit
- Two of the top three honours in bidders suit
A void or singleton will not be shown in partner's suit
Cuebidding must be undertaken once a suit has been agreed if either partner is unlimited
3NT is used to show serious slam interest after suit agreement. Serious 3NT applies in the following situations:
- 1M 3 ♦
- after major suit agreement in a 2 over 1 situation
It does not apply after a splinter raise or when opponents intervene with a suit call (double is OK)
To not use 3NT implies no slam interest, however partner may still be interested and continues with cuebids
1M 3NT 4 ♣ = cuebid not gerber
1M 2NT suit below M is a long suit trial bid (help needed) suit above M is cuebid
1 ♠ 3 ♦ 3 ♥ is a long suit trial bid in ♥ 's
Splinters (over 1 ♣ or 1 ♦ or in support of a reply to partner)
Splinters only apply from the 1 level (our last level of bidding, not the oppositions) and are an unnecessary jump shift.
Grand Slam Force (GSF)
A jump to 5 NT asks partner to bid 7 of the agreed trump suit if they hold two of the top three honours in the agreed trump suit (agreement may be by inference)
Conventional defences
Modified Malcolm - Over opponents 1 no trump opening
2 ♣ at least nine cards in the black suits (shortest suit being 4 or more)
2 ♦ at least nine cards in the red suits (shortest suit being 4 or more)
2 ♥ at least nine cards in the major suits (shortest suit being 4 or more)
2 ♠ at least nine cards in the ♠ 's & ♦ 's (shortest suit being 4 or more)
2 NT at least nine cards in the minor suits (shortest suit being 4 or more)
All 3 level bids are natural and to play. Suits at the 3 level indicate 6½ - 8 playing tricks
Note when opponenets are playing a no trump range that has a minimum strength of 14 HCP, DBL shows a single suit hand
Note in forth seat all bids become natural (double 12+ in 4th)
Defence to Multi
Double is either 12-15 HCP takeout or 20+ takeout
| 2 ♥ | is natural |
| 2 ♠ | is natural |
| 2NT | is 16-19 balanced with a stop in each major |
3 level bids natural, non-forcing
Weak twos
Double is takeout
| 2NT | is 16-19 balanced with a stop in the opened major |
| Suits | natural |
Defence to 3 level openers
Double is for takeout (may be passed)
3NT to play
Other suits natural
Cuebid very strong take out
Higher level openers
| 4NT | take out, at least 2 suits |
| DBL | optional, values |
| cuebid | very strong takeout |
Defensive Methods in competition, major suit openings Non-jump, suit interference
Any immediate support for partner is weak and purely to play, and is based on the known trump fit and the losing trick count all responses will be <=10 HCP. I.E. over a major opening
- with 3 card support and 9/10 loser bid to the 2 level (8 trumps).
- with 4 card support and an 8 loser hand bid to the 3 level (9 trumps),
- with 5 card support (or 4 support and 7 loser) bid to the 4 level (10 trumps).
- 2 NT = 10-12 HCP, 8 loser with 3 of partner's suit.
Most strong hands, (12+ HCP) with or without support for partner go via an unassuming cuebid, opener rebids naturally; with support responder then shows simple preference (ie a game forcing situation)
Jumps bids in a new suit & a new suit at the three level (or a new suit at the 2 level beyond opener's suit rank. (eg 1 ♥ (2 ♣ ) 2 ♠ shows support for ♥ 's) show a good suit and prepared to play in partner's suit.
Any suit at the 1 level or 2 level, below partners suit is natural (5+ and non-forcing)
with at most 2 of partner's suit.
1 NT is natural (6 - a bad 10) with a stop in the overcalled suit and at most 2 of partner's suit.
3 NT is natural (12 - a bad 15) with a stop in the overcalled suit and at most 2 of partner's suit.
Double is negative style showing 6+ HCP, showing the unbid major(s) in the first instance (could contain a natural 2NT response, ie 10-12 with a stop).
Strong single suited hands start with a double then bid suit at the lowest available level
Over weak jump overcalls dbl is 8+ HCP optional, suits natural, when they are below opener's suit they are constructive non-forcing when above opener's suit natural and game forcing
After a major suit opening opponents intervene with a double;
- with 3 card support and 9/10 loser bid to the 2 level (8 trumps). HCP <9.
- 2 NT = 10-12 HCP, 8 loser with 3 of partner's suit.
- Any suit at the 1 level or 2 level, below partners suit is natural (4+ and non-forcing)
- Bergen raises are used with support, ie 1 M (dbl) 3♣ / 3♦ / 3♥ / 3♠ /3NT/4 ♣ / 4♦ / 4♥ / 4♠ are as described above.
- Redouble is used on good 8+ hands with at most 3 of partner's suit.
- 1 NT remains natural (6 - a bad 10) and at most 2 of partner's major.
- 3 NT is natural (13 - 15) with a stop in the overcalled suit and at most 2 of partner's suit.
Appendix B shows specific examples
Defensive Methods in competition, minor suit openings
Non-jump, suit interference
Inverted minor suit raise still apply
All strong hands, (12+ HCP) with or without support for partner go via an unassuming cuebid, opener rebids naturally, with support responder then shows simple preference (ie a game forcing situation)
Jumps bids in a new suit & a new suit at the three level (or a new suit at the 2 level beyond opener's suit rank. (eg 1 ♣ (1 ♥ ) 2 ♠ shows support for ♣ 's) show a good suit and prepared to play in partner's suit.
Any suit at the 1 level or 2 level, below partner's suit is natural (5+ and non-forcing).
1 NT is natural (6 - a bad 10) with a stop in the overcalled suit.
2NT is natural (10 - 12) with a stop in the overcalled suit.
3NT is natural (13 - 15) with a stop in the overcalled suit.
Double is negative style showing 6+ HCP, showing the unbid major(s) in the first instance.
Strong single suited hands start with a double then bid suit at the lowest available level
Over weak jump overcalls dbl is 8+ HCP optional, suits natural
Defensive Methods in competition, minor suit openings opponents intervene with a double;
Inverted minor suit raise still apply
Redouble is used on good 8+ hands with at most 4 of partner's suit.
Any suit at the 1 level or 2 level, below partners suit is natural (5+ and non-forcing)
1 NT is natural (6 - a bad 10 HCP) and at most 2 of partner's suit.
2 NT is natural (10 - 12 HCP) and at most 2 of partner's suit.
3 NT is natural (13 - 15 HCP) and at most 2 of partner's suit.
Appendix C shows specific examples
Jump fits, non-jump fits
In competition a jump shift is a fit jump (at least doubleton honour is held in partner's suit (preferable 3+ cards). This also applies if a simple change of suit happens at the three level (or higher) in competition.
Competitive gadgets
Michael's cuebid
A cuebid of the opening bid shows at least 5/4 in 2 suits and is either weak or strong, the level of intervention indicating weak or strong. The suits shown are as follows:
| Opening | Cuebid | Shows |
| 1 ♣ | 2/3 ♣ | both majors |
| 1 ♦ | 2/3 ♦ | both majors |
| 1 ♥ | 2/3 ♥ | ♠ 's and a minor, 2/3NT asks for the minor |
| 1 ♠ | 2/3 ♠ | ♥ 's and a minor, 2/3NT asks for the minor |
Note over a 2/3-card minor suit opener Michael's is still applicable but over a phoney ♣ etc. 2 ♣ 's becomes natural. Also, where opposition have shown 2 suits, double shows intermediate (10-15 HCP) take out of other suits, unusual no trump is weak or strong.
Unusual No trump
Shows at least 5/4 in the two lowest ranking unbid suits. The bid is either strong or weak.
Lebenshol
Used to compete when opposition have competed over our 1NT, can also be used in other situations such as competition after the opponents NT has been doubled.
South competes (if desirable) as follows:
- 2♠ natural to play, weak(ish)
- 3♣ / ♦ natural and forcing
- 2NTtransfer to ♣ 's
- 3♥ stayman with a stop in ♥ 's
- 3NT to play
After 2NT opener must relay to 3 ♣ , then responder
- passes with weak long ♣ 's
- converts to ♦ 's which is weak and to play
- 3 ♥ shows 4 ♠ but no stop( forcing), 4 of a minor is now non-forcing
Summary
- double is penalties
- a suit below 2NT is weak and to play
- 2NT is a relay to ♣ 's with any suit then bid below the rank of the intervention suit is weak and to play
- a direct cuebid is stayman with a stop in the overcalled suit
- a cuebid through the relay is stayman without a stop
- Where opponents are using two suited overcalls, where both suits are known the lower ranking suit is used for a cuebid, where only one suit is known the anchor suit is used as cuebid suit.
Protective no-trump
In pass out seat 1NT is 10-14, with not necessarily a stop in the opened suit. Over a Major opening it denies 4 cards in the other major unless hand is 4333 with a full stop in the opened suit.
Wriggle/Helvic - Defence to 1 No Trump Doubled
After our 1 NT is doubled in responding seat the following apply
| RDBL | t'fer to ♣ 's |
| 2 ♣ | t'fer to ♦ 's |
| 2 ♦ | t'fer to ♥ 's |
| 2 ♥ | t'fer to ♠ 's |
all showing weakness and at least a five card suit
All other hands responder must pass, NOTE this pass is ALERTABLE
If second opponent pulls double, lebonsohl applies
If second opponent sits double, opener must bid a 5 card suit or RDBL which is ALERTABLE
If responder subsequently passes RDBL, lebonsohl applies because we have balance of points.
If responder bids it will be his lowest ranking 4-card suit, a search then ensues for, at worst, a 43 fit which is sat even if doubled.
After a sequence
Opener RDBL's with any five card suit, 2 ♣ asks for that suit to be bid (or pass with ♣ 's)
Therefore, opener is known to be either 4432 or 4333.
Partner then passes with balance of points and lebensohl applies,
After a sequence
| 1NT |
PASS |
PASS |
DBL |
| PASS |
PASS |
Responder RDBL's to show a five card suit somewhere (found by NT bidder starting with 2 ♣ and responder correcting) else bids lowest available 4 card suit, looking for at worst a 43 fit.
Overcalling
Basic methods
Normally a 5+ suit. A stronger and better quality suit is required when overcall is opposite a passed hand, or overcall is made at the two level. Note a good quality four card suit may, occasionally, be overcalled at the one level.
Continuation after an overcall, where next opponent passes or doubles
In principal No trump bids are natural
Simple raises are premeptive
Suits below opponents suit rank are natural and non-forcing
Suits above opponents suit rank, but below our suit rank are transfer bids, later support for overcaller shows the transfer suit and a fit with overcaller
A cuebid is a transfer, as above, or a stop ask for no trump where the cuebid rank is above our suit
A jump shift is a game force
If opponents use a double, for take out or penalties, then the above still applies with the added bid of RDBL which shows 10+ HCPand at most 3 of the overcallers suit
Appendix E
Weak jump overcall
Similar to a weak 2 opener, 6 card suit and <11HCP in forth seat jump overcall becomes intermediate (good 5 or 6+ suit 11-15 HCP)
Take out double style
A takeout double of one major 95%+ of the time guarantees 4+ in the other major. This may be deviated from when a stronger than nominal opener is held. If, in an uncontested auction the doubler changes suit they are showing 15 + HCP, but this is not 100% forcing as an unassuming cuebid now becomes available.
Carding methods
Leads
| Natural | 3rd and 5th from honours |
| | Top of sequences, or internal sequences |
| | MUD from poor suits -v- suit contracts |
| | TON from poor suits -v- No Trump |
Discards
Revolving, up and down, not beyond suit indicated
Carding
| Reverse Attitude -v- suits |
| Reverse Count -v- No Trump |
| Reverse Count -v- suits where applicable |
| High low shows an odd number |
Other
McKenney style suit preference when applicable
Appendix A
Simple suit interference over 1 of a major
| 1♥ | (1♠ ) | 2♣ , ♦ | Weak and to play |
| | | 2♥ | Competitive, 3 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 2♠ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3♣ , ♦ | Fit jump |
| | | 3♥ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3♠ | Splinter, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4♣ , ♦ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4♥ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support, ie at least 4/4 in the minors |
| 1♥ | (2♣ ) | 2 ♦ | Weak and to play |
| | | 2♥ | Competitive, 3 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 2♠ | Fit jump |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3♣ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 3♦ | Fit jump |
| | | 3♥ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3♠ | Splinter, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4♣,♦ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4♥ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support must have 4+ ♠ 's |
| 1♥ | (2♦) | 2 ♥ | Competitive, 3 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 2♠ | Fit jump |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3♣ | Fit jump |
| | | 3♦ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 3♥ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3♠ | Splinter, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4♣ ♦ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4♥ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support must have 4+ ♠ 's |
| 1 ♠ | (2 ♣ ) | 2 ♦ / ♥ | Weak and to play |
| | | 2♠ | Competitive, 3 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3♣ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 3♦ | Fit jump |
| | | 3♥ | Fit jump |
| | | 3♠ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4♣,♦,♥ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4♠ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support, must have 4 ♥ 's |
| 1 ♠ | (2♦) | 2♥ | Weak and to play |
| | | 2 ♠ | Competitive, 3 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3 ♣ | Fit non-jump |
| | | 3 ♦ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 3 ♥ | Fit non-jump |
| | | 3 ♠ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4 ♣ , ♦ , ♥ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4 ♠ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support, must have 4 ♥ 's |
| 1 ♠ | (2♥) | 2♠ | Weak and to play |
| | | 2NT | 10-12, 8 loser 3 card support |
| | | 3 ♣ | Fit non-jump |
| | | 3 ♦ | Fit non-jump |
| | | 3 ♥ | Game force, may or may not have support |
| | | 3 ♠ | Competitive, 4 trumps <9 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural to play |
| | | 4 ♣ , ♦ , ♥ | Splinters, 4+ trumps, 10-15 HCP else use unassuming cuebid |
| | | 4 ♠ | Pre-emptive, normally < 10 HCP |
| | | dbl | Competitive hands not strong enough to GF and without support, must have 4 ♥ 's |
Appendix B
After Major opening has been doubled
| 1♥ | (dbl) | 1♠ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♥ | dbl | 1NT | Non-forcing, but constructive, 6-9 HCP balanced, at most 2 ♥ 's |
| 1♥ | dbl | 2♣ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♥ | dbl | 2♦ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♥ | dbl | 2♥ | 3 card support 4-9 HCP |
| 1♥ | dbl | 2♠ | Natural and forcing |
| 1♥ | dbl | 2NT | 10-12 HCP 3 support, or 8 loser 3 card support |
| 1♥ | dbl | 3♣ | 4 card support, 11+ HCP |
| 1♥ | dbl | 3♦ | 4 card support, 7-10 HCP |
| 1♥ | dbl | 3♥ | 4 card support, 0-6 HCP |
| 1♥ | dbl | 3♠ | Splinter, singleton of any suit, 3NT asks for singleton |
| 1♥ | dbl | 3NT | Natural to play |
| 1♥ | dbl | 4♣ | Splinter, void |
| 1♥ | dbl | 4♦ | Splinter, void |
| 1♥ | dbl | 4♥ | 5+ support or 7 loser hand with 4+ support |
| 1♥ | dbl | rdbl | Catchall, principally 8+ HCP and at most 3 ♥ 's |
| 1♠ | (dbl) | 1NT; | Non-forcing, but constructive 6-9 HCP balanced, at most 2 ♠'s |
| 1♠ | dbl | 2♣ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♠ | dbl | 2♦ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♠ | dbl | 2♥ | Non-forcing, but constructive |
| 1♠ | dbl | 2♠ | 3 card support 4-9 HCP |
| 1♠ | dbl | 2NT | 10-12 HCP 3 support, or 8 loser 3 card support |
| 1♠ | dbl | 3♣ | 4 card support, 11+ HCP |
| 1♠ | dbl | 3♦ | 4 card support, 7-10 HCP |
| 1♠ | dbl | 3♥ | Splinter, singleton of any suit, 3NT asks for singleton |
| 1♠ | dbl | 3♠ | 4 card support, 0-6 HCP |
| 1♠ | dbl | 3NT | Natural to play |
| 1♠ | dbl | 4♣ | Splinter, void |
| 1♠ | dbl | 4♦ | Splinter, void |
| 1♠ | dbl | 4♥ | Splinter, void |
| 1♠ | dbl | 4♠ | 5+ support or 7 loser hand with 4 + support |
| 1♥ | dbl | rdbl | catchall, principally 8+ HCP and at most 3 ♠ 's |
Appendix C
Simple suit interference over 1 of a minor
| 1♣ | (1♦ ) | 1♥ /♠ | natural 5+ suit non-forcing |
| | | 1NT | 6-9 ♦ stop |
| | | 2♣ | 10+ HCP, 5+ ♣ 's 1RF |
| | | 2♥ / ♠ | 5+ good suit, a willingness to play in partners suit (usually 3+), 1RF |
| | | 2♦ | Unassuming cuebid (GF) |
| | | 2NT | Natural 10-12 ♦ stop |
| | | 3♣ | 5+ ♣ 's, <10 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural 13-15, ♦ stop |
| | | dbl | Treated by opener initially as 6+ HCP, at least 4/4 in the majors (could be 4/3), (take out, but may be passed), but could be the only move forward available |
| 1♦ | (1♥ ) | 1♠ /2♣ | 5+ suit natural non-forcing |
| | | 1NT | 6-9 ♥ stop |
| | | 2♦ | 10+ HCP 5+ ♦ 's 1RF |
| | | 2♥ | Unassuming cuebid (GF) |
| | | 2♠ /3 ♣ | 5+ good suit, a willingness to play in partners suit (usually 3+), 1RF |
| | | 2NT | Natural 10-12 ♥ stop |
| | | 3♦ | 5+ ♦ 's, <10 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural 13-15, ♥ stop |
| | | dbl | Treated by opener initially as 6+ HCP, 4 ♠ 's, possibly 4+ ♣ 's (take out, but may be passed), but could be the only move forward available |
| 1♣ | (1♠ ) | 1NT | 6-9 ♠ stop |
| | | 2♣ | 10 or more HCP 5+ ♣ 's 1RF |
| | | 2♦ /♥ | 5+ good suit, a willingness to play in partners suit (usually 3+), 1RF |
| | | 2♠ | Unassuming cuebid (GF) |
| | | 2NT | Natural 10-12 ♠ stop |
| | | 3♣ | 5+ ♣ 's, <10 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural 13-15, ♥ stop |
| | | dbl | Treated by opener initially as 6+ HCP, 4 ♥ 's, possibly 4+ ♦ 's (take out, but may be passed), but could be the only move forward available |
| 1♦ | (1♠ ) | 2♣ | 5+ suit natural non-forcing |
| | | 1NT | 6-9 ♠ stop |
| | | 2♦ | 10+ HCP 5+ ♦ 's 1RF |
| | | 2♥ /3♣ | 5+ good suit, a willingness to play in partners suit (usually 3+), 1RF |
| | | 2♠ | Unassuming cuebid (GF) |
| | | 2NT | Natural 10-12 ♠ stop |
| | | 3♦ | 5+ ♦ 's, <10 HCP |
| | | 3NT | Natural 13-15, ♠ stop |
| | | dbl | Treated by opener initially as 6+ HCP, 4 ♥ 's, possibly 4+ ♣ 's (take out, but may be passed), but could be the only move forward available |
Appendix D
Responding to forcing 1NT response
Specific sequences. (Unopposed)
| 1M | 1NT | 2NT | 15-17invitational | 3M better than min 2 support |
| 1M | 1NT | 3NT | 18-19 |
| 1M | 1NT | 3m | 16+1rf | 3M weak pref. (2 supp) |
| |
|
|
|
3NT to play, |
| |
|
|
|
4m 4+ support 9-11 |
| 1M |
1NT |
3M |
16-19 less than 8PT |
pass, weak 6-7 |
| |
| |
usually 6+ suit |
3NT to play, |
| 1 ♥ |
1NT |
2 ♠ |
16+ 1rf |
2NT 6-8 no support |
| |
|
|
|
3m 5+ suit 9-11 |
| |
|
|
|
3 ♥ simple pref (2 support 6-8) |
| |
|
|
|
3NT to play 9-11 |
| 1 ♠ |
1NT |
3 ♥ |
16+ 1rf |
3 ♠ simp pref 2 support 6-8 |
| |
|
|
|
3NT to play 8-11 |
| |
|
|
|
4m cue bid agreeing ♥ 's |
| |
|
|
|
4 ♥ 6-11 4+ card support for ♥ 's |
Appendix E
| (1♣) |
1♥ |
(P) or (dbl) |
1♠ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
1NT |
Natural 9-11 |
| |
|
|
2♣ |
Transfer to ♦, initially weak with ♦ 's but if ♥ 's are subsequently supported shows 5+ ♦ 's and ♥ support (3+ cards) level of support shows strength |
| |
|
|
2♦ |
Transfer to ♥ 's 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
weak raise 3+ support |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♦ ) |
1♥ |
(P) or (dbl) |
1♠ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
1NT |
Natural 9-11 |
| |
|
|
2♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♦ |
Transfer to ♥ 's 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
weak raise 3+ support |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
GF natural |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♣) |
1♠ |
(P) or (dbl) |
1NT |
Natural 9-11 |
| |
|
|
2♣ |
Transfer to ♦, initially weak with ♦ 's but if ♠ 's are subsequently supported shows 5+ ♦ 's and ♠ support (3+ cards) level of support shows strength |
| |
|
|
2♦ |
Transfer to ♥, initially weak with ♥ 's but if ♠ 's are subsequently supported shows 5+ ♥ 's and ♠ support (3+ cards) level of support shows strength |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
Transfer to ♠ 's 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
weak raise 3+ support |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♦) |
1♠ |
(P) or (dbl) |
1NT |
Natural 9-11 |
| |
|
|
2♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♦ |
Transfer to ♥, initially weak with ♥ 's but if ♠ 's are subsequently supported shows 5+ ♥ 's and ♠ support (3+ cards) level of support shows strength |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
Transfer to ♠ 's 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
weak raise 3+ support |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♥) |
1♠ |
(P) or (dbl) |
1NT |
Natural 9-11 |
| |
|
|
2♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♦ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
Transfer raise 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
weak raise 3+ support |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♥) |
2♣ |
(P) or (dbl) |
2♦ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
Stop ask |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
weak raise 4+ support |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♥) |
2♦ |
(P) or (dbl) |
2♥ |
Stop ask |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
3♦ |
weak raise 4+ support |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♠) |
2♣ |
(P) or (dbl) |
2♦ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♥ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
Stop ask |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
weak raise 4+ support |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♠ ) |
2♦ |
(P) or (dbl) |
2♥ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
2♠ |
Stop ask |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
3♦ |
weak raise 4+ support |
| |
|
|
|
|
| (1♠ ) |
2♥ |
(P) or (dbl) |
2♠ |
Transfer raise 3+support 10+HCP at worst 8 loser |
| |
|
|
2NT |
Natural 12-14 |
| |
|
|
3♣ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
3♦ |
Natural non-forcing |
| |
|
|
3♥ |
weak raise 4+ support |
| |
|
|
|
|